Human Resources Adviser

Human Resources Adviser
Cambridge CB3 0LE/CB24 9NZ or East Malling ME19 6BJ
Ref: SV/A1340-03
£32,000 - £36,000, depending on experience

ABOUT THE JOB

We are recruiting a Human Resources Adviser to provide a generalist HR service in-person and remotely to our employees located across Great Britain. This is an ideal opportunity if you have a strong background in HR, have great people skills and relish a proactive and solutions-oriented approach to HR.

Joining a small HR team, in this hands-on role you will experience many aspects of managing and developing people. There will be space for your skills to grow, providing HR support and advice to our scientific, agricultural, horticultural and administrative staff, alongside getting involved in the nitty gritty of HR projects. For example, your experience with HR systems and processes, along with your ability to work collaboratively and consider different perspectives, will be key to your success as a key player in a project enabling different users make best use of our digital systems.

Contract: Permanent
Working hours: 37 per week, Monday-Friday; part-time considered - minimum 30 hours.
Hybrid working possible: At least 3 days per week working on-site required

As HR Adviser, your duties include:

• Managing case work on a range of HR matters, including employee relations, remuneration, performance, recruitment and health and well-being.
• Supporting and coaching managers in HR best practice and the application of HR policies and procedures.
• Providing advice and guidance to employees and managers to support operations and organisational change.
• Analysing and reporting HR data
• Assisting with implementing initiatives to help embed NIAB’s values and achieve its strategic objectives, such as improving attraction and retention, and promoting Equality, Diversity & Inclusion.
• Working with managers to identify development needs, research options for training provision, and develop, commission and integrate training programmes.
• Promoting employee engagement, for example by planning events, facilitating employee support network activities, devising communications and encouraging collaboration.
• Supporting HR admin staff with the administration of HR processes, including payroll.

ABOUT YOU

Essential requirements:

• Level 5 CIPD qualification or equivalent experience.
• Good interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills, with proven ability to build strong working relationships at all levels.
• Chartered Institute of Personnel Development (CIPD) level 3 qualification or equivalent experience.
• Demonstrable experience of working in a generalist HR role.
• Excellent understanding of UK employment law, data protection and HR good practice.
• Broad experience of using digital HR systems.
• Competency in Microsoft Office - Excel, Word, SharePoint, PowerPoint.
• Skills in collating, analysing and reporting HR data.
• Excellent organisational skills.
• A driving licence or access to independent means of travelling, enabling you to travel regularly between East Malling and Cambridge sites. Transport can be provided.

See full Job Description on our website for more details.

ABOUT US

NIAB - Plant science into practice

With headquarters in Cambridge and regional sites across the country, employing around 400 people, NIAB is a dynamic, research led and market driven plant bioscience organisation, with an emphasis on innovative applications for end-users in the agricultural, horticultural and food sectors. With over 100 years’ experience of technology evaluation and transfer, NIAB is spear-heading the advancement of plant genetic resources through research, technical services and training.

NIAB actively promotes equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society. As a Disability Confident Employer, we have a positive approach to employing people living with a disability.

BENEFITS

Benefits include 25 days’ holiday plus public holidays and 3 days off during the Christmas period, flexible working, generous sick pay, attractive pension scheme, income protection, life assurance, employee discount scheme and free on-site parking.

LOCATION

This role will be based at either our Cambridge or East Malling sites. If Cambridge based, then the location is NIAB Headquarters, Cambridge CB3 OLE, transferring to NIAB’s Park Farm site at Histon, Cambridge CB24 9NZ around Autumn 2024.
Regular travel between Cambridge and East Malling sites required (approximately once a week). Very occasional travel to NIAB sites across Great Britain. Pool car available.

Both Cambridge sites have free on-site parking and linked by cycle ways and regular buses to Cambridge city centre and railway station. HQ is 2 miles from the city centre. Park Farm is 4 miles from the city centre and close to Junction 32 of A14, with easy access to M11, A10 and A11.

East Malling is three miles from junction four of the M20, with plenty of free on-site parking. NIAB East Malling can easily be accessed by the London Victoria to Dover (via Ashford International) rail route via West Malling station. Alternatively, exit the train at the East Malling station and take the short walk onto site.

In your covering letter, please indicate your preferred working pattern (e.g. 37 hours over 5 days; home working 1 day per week).

Closing date: 7 April 2024.
1st interviews: w/c 15 April 2023.
2nd interviews: w/c 22 April 2023.

Apply soon as we may shortlist prior to the closing date.